The unemployment rate in Missouri is increasing. It's doing the same in Columbia but not at the same rate. KBIA's Arika Sampson breaks down the numbers in this report.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a point seven percent unemployment increase in the past six months. But Career Center supervisor Bryan Barnes says jobs are still out there.

"Employers are still hiring. It all boils down to the usual steps that people need to take. Be persistent. If you don't have a job get up in the morning go to work sit down at a computer at the telephone get ready go out and start knocking on doors."

Missouri's Department of Economic Development says university jobs and tax dollars help cushion Columbia from the full effect of the economic blow that the rest of the state is suffering. The DED's John Fougere says Missouri's unemployment rate is now nine and a half percent thats's the highest level since 1983. Fougere says his department is focusing on creating new ways to turn the economy around.

"Here in Missouri we aren't letting those challenges define us. Instead we're working together in this administration to face these challenges head on and we're creating new opportunities to transform our economy in the future. And we believe we have the people of Missouri, we're developing the tools, and we're ready to turn this economy around."

Fougere cites Governor Nixon's jobs bill that legislators approved this past session and the state's new tax incentive program. He says the DED is particularly focusing on creating more job opportunities in fast-rising, high-tech fields. Fougere says the DED's goal is to stabilize the economy and entice people to live, work, and raise their families in Missouri. © Copyright 2012, KBIA